United States Eventing Association

Know Your Rules: COVID-19 Clarifications

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2020 issue of Eventing USA magazine and has been updated to reflect the most recent version of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan.

The USEA Eventing Licensed Officials Committee will be writing a series of articles relating to current rules from the USEF Rules For Eventing and how they are interpreted and implemented. The committee feels that transparency is important, and want to keep everyone current on the rules and how officials are expected/required to implement them.

It was very exciting to see horse trials running again! There was, however, some confusion due to the new USEF COVID-19 Action Plan, so here are some points of clarification:

Check State and Local Regulations

Federal, state, and local regulations supersede USEF or organizers’ requirements EXCEPT when USEF or organizers’ requirements are more restrictive.

Social Distancing

All individuals (participants, grooms, trainers, officials, staff, and volunteers) MUST stay at least six feet (about two arms lengths) from any other person. EXCEPTION: Social distancing does not apply to members of the same household, however, a mask must still be worn.

Masks

Masks or face coverings MUST be worn at all times by everyone on the competition grounds (even members of the same household). It is best to have the mask with you at all times and when you dismount you should make sure you put it on again as quickly as you can.

Masks are NOT required while riding in competition or warm-up.

Temperatures

Temperatures must be taken daily by the organizer for all staff, volunteers, service providers, and officials before entering grounds.

Some venues may take temperatures of anyone entering the show grounds, but it is the rider’s responsibility to monitor their own temperature, as well as their support staff.

Anyone with a temperature of 99.5 or higher may not enter the venue.

Social Media

Please be careful when posting pictures on social media. Posted pictures may insinuate guidelines are not being adhered to due to the angle or distance from where the picture was taken. We need to work together to ensure that our events can continue and only post photos that show the protocols being followed.

Spectators

Spectators are not permitted on competition grounds; spectators are the general public, fans, or any individuals who are not directly involved in the competition by way of being a participant, a member of competition staff, a service provider (e.g. media or photographer), volunteer, or other support personnel (farrier, veterinarian, etc.).

Updates and Questions

The USEF COVID-19 Action Plan requirements may change every Tuesday, so please check either the USEF or USEA websites for the latest updates. Organizers will also send out notifications to entered riders.

If you have recently had close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 you must quarantine until 14 days after your last exposure.

Thank you to everyone for your understanding and efforts to help keep everyone safe, while getting the eventing community back to competitions successfully!

Please send questions or other topics that you would like to see discussed to Nancy Knight at [email protected].

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